Louisiana man files Jones Act suit against Inland Marine

A Louisiana seaman has filed a Jones Act suit against his employers, claiming the cables he was told to lift were too heavy and caused him injury.

Shane Chouest filed suit against Inland Marine Management Corp. and Huey L. Cheramie Inc. on Oct. 7 in Orange County District Court.

According to the plaintiff's suit, sometime in August 2007 Chouest was performing his duties aboard the Claude R when he was injured "while manually handling cables as ordered by the defendants."

"Plaintiff attempted to continue to work; however, he could not, and his injuries have necessitated surgery," the suit says, adding that Chouest was injured because of the alleged negligence of the defendants and the unseaworthiness of the vessel.

The suit does not say how the defendants were negligent or how the vessel was unseaworthy.

Chouest is suing for past and future mental anguish, lost earnings, impairment, disfigurement and medical expenses, plus exemplary damages.

He is represented by attorney Nanette J. Hartdegen.

The case has been assigned to Judge Dennis Powell of the 163rd Judicial District.

Case No. B-080371-c